DIY: There are basic guidelines to red: Blue-based crimsons flatter cool skin tones, while orange-red hues look best against warm skin tones. But most importantly, says McGrath, "Don't torture yourself over selecting a shade. I do 60 shows with one shade, and every model looks amazing." Start by carefully tracing lips with a matching liner to "contour and define," Kendal says, and apply the lipstick using a brush for precision.

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2 of 22

GoRunway.com

Best In Show: Spring 2012

Pair With

A brown smoky eye. "It adds refinement and elegance," McGrath says of the caramels and taupes she blended up to the models' brow bones at Dior.

The Look: The late Elizabeth Taylor launched many a cat eye. At Ruffian, makeup artist James Kaliardos paid homage to Taylor's signature heavy-duty liner, while at Badgley Mischka, Estée Lauder's creative makeup director, Tom Pecheux, cited the actress's decadently deranged character in the '60s drama Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? "The look is reminiscent of the black-and-white film, but with a touch of youth," he says.

DIY: For a soft, subtle line, select a kohl pencil and start at the inner corner of the eye, extending outward. A gel liner applied with an angled brush or a liquid formula can be layered to create a thicker, defined stroke.

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5 of 22

Imaxtree.com

Best In Show: Spring 2012

Pair With

Metallic liner for a fresh twist. A pewter shade is less predictable than black and will reflect light for a brightening effect.

The Look: Last season's casual-cool bun has morphed into a refined French twist—with an edge. "It's still a little messy, a little punky," says Redken creative consultant Guido Palau, who twisted and pinned up lengths at Louis Vuitton.

Seen At: Diane von Furstenberg, Louis Vuitton, Narciso Rodriguez

DIY: "Product is key to creating the shape," Palau says. Comb mousse through damp hair and blow-dry. Next, apply a texturizing product for grip, then twist, securing with pins spritzed with the texturizer for hold.

DIY: Comb a serum into wet strands to prevent frizz, and blow-dry with a paddle brush. A few passes with a straightening iron will smooth the cuticle, helping it lie flat. Finishing drops of hair oil seal the sleek look.

DIY: Work a curl-enhancing product into wet hair and blow-dry with a diffuser, scrunching to encourage texture. If you've got naturally poker-straight strands (or want to add definition to waves), loosely wrap two-inch sections around a curling rod and lightly mist with hairspray to hold.

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17 of 22

Imaxtree.com

Best In Show: Spring 2012

Pair With

A '40s-inspired sweep. Cut a deep side part, then draw the front section of hair low across the forehead, twist, and secure with a pin for an "innocent, youthful look," Gilbert says.

The Look: In a season dominated by power-pretty pastel clothes, equally feminine perfected complexions reigned supreme backstage. "The focus is on the skin. It's about ultrapretty, doll-like innocence," says McGrath.

Seen At: Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Valentino

DIY: Follow McGrath's perfect-skin protocol: a layer of moisturizer, then allover foundation. Next, a concealer to camouflage blemishes, followed with "highlighter on the brow bone, a little bit on the cheekbones, and white eyeliner on the inside corner of eyes," McGrath says. Finish with mattifying powder on the T-zone.

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20 of 22

Imaxtree.com

Best In Show: Spring 2012

Pair With

Power lashes. "Fresh skin with thick, full lashes is very Sophia Loren," McGrath says. "Absolutely stunning."

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